Design of synthesis of new generation rare earth doped K2Ln2Ti3O10 semiconducting films and their industrial applications

In this study synthesis and characterization of K2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln; La, Nd, Gd, Sm, Dy) thin films were investigated for photocatalyic applications. Newly developed layered perovskite structures are produced by sol-gel method. With this aim, transparent solutions were prepared from K, Ti, La, Nd , Gd, Sm and Dy based precursors, propionic acid and glacial acetic acid (GAA). The obtained solutions were dried at 200 degree celcius in air to form gel structure of KLTO mixture and heat treated at 850 degree celcius for 3 hours in air. After the sintering, the powders were dispersed in propionic acid and the obtained suspensions were deposited on Si substrates using spin coating system and then annealed at 1000 degree celcius for 5 hours in air. Thermal, structural, microstructural, mechanical properties of the coatings were characterized through differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), surface profilometer, nanoindenter and scratch test devices. Methylene blue photocatalytic performance experiments were carried out in a solar box which is simulating natural radiation and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra. According to the measurement results of K2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln; La, Nd, Gd, Sm, Dy) samples, K2La1.5Sm0.5Ti3O10, exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity.